Bulls chase World Cup double act to end URC bridesmaid blues

The Bulls are pursuing a bold plan to break free from their perennial United Rugby Championship bridesmaid status by signing two double World Cup winners, Malcolm Marx and Kwagga Smith. Bulls coach Johan Ackermann confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with the Springbok stars, but neither deal has been finalized yet. Marx and Smith would bring valuable experience to a Bulls team that has reached four URC finals in the past five seasons without winning the championship.

Japan's recent tightening of regulations on foreign-born players has allowed South Africans nearing the end of their careers, like Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe, to consider returning home. The Bulls' recent loss to Leinster 37-7 in last season's final in Dublin has now been put behind them, with Ackermann stating that the team is back on level footing at the start of the new season.

Ackermann named a 55-man squad for the new URC season, making several personnel changes including the addition of former Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch, former Leicester Tiger Hanro Liebenberg, and several other players. However, the Bulls have also lost key players such as Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, and David Kriel. Ackermann emphasized the importance of learning from last season's successes and failures, and using those lessons to make tactical adjustments and work hard in the new season.